Page 201 - Politics
India, Australia can do more in tackling terrorism threat: Harinder Sidhu
India and Australia can do more in tackling the threat of terrorism, besides strengthening economic order in the Indo-Pacific region, according to the Australian High Commissioner to New Delhi Harinder Sidhu."Australia and India can do in global and regional responses to the threat of terrorism. Australia was a co-sponsor of the UNSC resolution which led to the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist Masood Azhar," Sidhu said.He was delivering an address titled 'The India-Australia partnership in the Indo-Pacific - contributing to the region' before the Indian Association of Foreign Correspondents here."We have a growing annual counter-terrorism dialogue and are developing practical cooperation on responding to the threat in South and Southeast Asia," he added.Sidhu's statement has come days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the world communities to unite in the fight against terrorism and radicalisation, during his historic address in the Maldivian Parliament."Prime ...
Sonia Gandhi to call for meeting on strategy of Congress for upcoming session of Parliament: Sources
Chairperson of Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Sonia Gandhi will call for a Parliamentary strategy group's meeting to finalise floor strategy and issues which the party will take up in the upcoming session of the Parliament.As a CPP Chief, she will decide the names of the leader of the party in Lok Sabha while Azad will continue as the leader of the Party in Rajya Sabha and Anand Sharma as deputy leader in the upper house, according to sources.Earlier on Wednesday, in the absence of members of the Gandhi family, senior Congress leaders met informally to take stock of the political situation, sources said.The Congress party is in dilemma as to who will take over and lead the party, sources said.After the meeting, a senior leader said that there may be or may not be any new setup. It is undecided whether any new arrangement will take place, sources said.Sources said UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi as the Congress Parliamentary party chairperson will devise strategy for the upcoming ...
Sonia Gandhi's flight to Delhi deferred due to bad weather
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had to overstay in Raebareli Wednesday night as their plane could not leave for Delhi due to bad weather in the national capital, officials said. Sonia Gandhi had arrived here with her daughter Priyanka in the morning for the first time after her victory in the recent Lok Sabha polls to thank her voters. "The private flight was scheduled to take off at 8 pm from the Fursatganj airport on Amethi-Raebareli border but due to the bad weather condition in Delhi, it has been rescheduled for 9 am Thursday morning," Fursatganj police station in-charge S K Rai told PTI. The Congress leaders will be spending the night at the Bhuyemau guest house in Rae Bareli. The mother-daughter duo this time skipped visiting adjoining Amethi from where Congress chief Rahul Gandhi lost to BJP's Smriti Irani in the Lok Sabha elections. Congress was able to retain Raebareli -- the only seat it won in Uttar Pradesh -- with Sonia ...
PM Modi's visit to Kyrgyzstan will boost bilateral ties between two countries: Indian Envoy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kyrgyzstan will boost the bilateral relationship between the two countries, India's envoy Amitabh Dimri said on Wednesday."Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country will boost the relationship between both countries. The relationship is fantastic. PM Modi was here in 2015, and this is a repeat visit in four years," he said while talking to ANI.PM Modi is scheduled to visit Bishkek to participate in the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in beginning June 14."It was a historic moment that PM Modi undertook a combined visit to all five central Asian countries and thereafter Kyrgyz president undertook a visit to India in 2016. President of Kyrgyz Republic was also a special invitee at Prime Minister's swearing-in ceremony," India's top envoy said.Terming it as an important occasion for the bilateral relationship between India and Kyrgyzstan, he said, "We have been able to maintain a momentum of very high-level visits and ...
Andhra Pradesh: Agriculture Minister accuses Chandrababu Naidu of 'failing' to fulfil promises
Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K Kannababu accused the former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of not fulfilling his promises made to the people."He did not fulfil his promise of loan waiver to farmers. He failed to pay the fourth and fifth instalments of loan waiver and now he is demanding the present government to make those payments," he said here."At the time Chandrababu Naidu had promised, the loans to be waived off were Rs 84,000 crores. Naidu said he would clear Rs 24,000 crores but by the end, he paid only Rs 15,600 crores. The Chandrababu Naidu government had claimed just before the elections that they made payments to the tune of Rs 3900 crores; to garner the votes of farmers. But in reality, farmers could get the benefit of only Rs 386 crores," the Agriculture Minister claimed.Alleging that the former government led by Chandrababu Naidu even diverted the loans taken from civil supplies department at the time of elections, Kannababu said, "Naidu did not release input .
Modi chairs first meeting with Ministers, to hold regular reviews
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired the first meeting of new Council of Ministers and outlined the road-map and action plan of his government for the next five years.
Ex CMs seek review of order on recovery of rents
Two former Uttarakhand chief ministers Wednesday moved the state high court seeking review of its order for recovery of rents at market rate for official bungalows occupied by them even after demitting office. A division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Rangnathan and Justice Alok Kumar Verma of the Uttarakhand High Court is likely to hear the two former chief ministers' plea Thursday. Former CMs Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Vijay Bahuguna sought the review of the high court's order contending that they were not told about the basis on which the rent dues were computed. Among other reasons, Bahuguna argued that even after quitting as the chief minister, he continued to be a member of the state assembly and was entitled to a government accommodation. Accordingly, he should not be made to pay rent for that duration, he argued in his petition. The two former chief minister also contended that their bungalows were located in cantonment area while the rents were calculated at municipal ...
Pak Army fully capable and ready to respond to any threat: Gen Bajwa
Pakistan's Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said Wednesday that the Army is "fully capable" and ready to respond to any threat to the country. He was addressing the Annual Formation Commanders' Conference held at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. General Bajwa hailed befitting response" during February stand-off with India. Tensions between India and Pakistan worsened after the Pulwama terror attack and both the countries were almost on the brink of a war after India's military planes struck a terrorist training camp in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26 and Pakistan carried out a counter-offensive the next day. The forum reviewed geo-strategic and national security environment. Internal security landscape of the country, challenges being confronted and responses were discussed in details.
Al Baqee organisation protest against attack on Islamic Heritage in Saudi Arabia
Members of the Al Baqee Organisation on Wednesday held a protest in Delhi against the Saudi government's systematic attacks on UNESCO protected Islamic Heritage, as well as the violation of freedom rights in the country.Demonstrators particularly demanded the reconstruction of Jannatul-Baqi cemetery, which was demolished on April 21, 1925, by Saudi rulers.Speaking to ANI, Islami scholar Dr Ali Taha, said, "According to the Islamic calendar, on this day, the Saudi government demolished Jannatul-Baqi.""We have been protesting for years to demand the reconstruction of the monument. We believe the government of India will relay our message to Saudi Arabia," she added.Jannat al-Baqi'is considered sacred by a large section of the Muslim community as it is believed that the prophet Mohammad and her daughter Fatima are buried there."Saudi government demolish historic monuments in the country. This is against our beliefs. We demand the reconstruction of sacred monuments destroyed in the ...
Union Cabinet approves extension of President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the extension of President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir for a further period of six months."Based on the prevailing situation in the state as stated in the report of Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the extension of President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir for a further period of six months with effect from July 3, 2019, under article 356(4) of the Constitution of India," an official statement said.The present term of President's rule in the state is expiring on July 2.According to the official statement, a resolution seeking approval of parliament for the same will be moved in both the houses of parliament during the forthcoming session.The President's rule was implemented in the state in June 2018. The state was earlier ruled by BJP-PDP coalition. However, BJP walked out of the alliance citing PDP's soft corner for the separatist elements in the valley.The State Assembly, ...
Iran president expects 'positive change' if US ends 'economic war'
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday he expects a "very positive change" in the Middle East and the world if the US stops its economic pressure against the Islamic republic through sanctions. "If there are some tensions, (their) roots stem from America's economic war against Iran. Whenever it stops we will witness a very positive change in the region and the world," Rouhani said at a joint news conference in Tehran with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
UK House of Commons rejects bid to rule out no-deal Brexit
British opposition lawmakers failed Wednesday in their latest attempt to ensure the UK can't leave the European Union without a divorce deal. The House of Commons voted 309-298 against setting aside a day later this month to try to pass legislation that would prevent a no-deal Brexit. "This is a disappointing, narrow defeat. But this is just the start, not the end of our efforts to block 'no deal,'" said Labour Party Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer. The governing Conservative Party is holding a contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May, who quit as party leader last week after Parliament three times rejected her divorce deal with the EU. Some of the 10 contenders, including front-runner Boris Johnson , say if they become prime minister, they would take Britain out of the EU on the twice-extended withdrawal date, now set for Oct. 31, with or without an agreement. Many economists have argued a no-deal Brexit would cause economic turmoil and plunge Britain into recession. But Johnson ..
Cabinet approves bill to replace ordinance on medical education
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2019 which will be introduced in the forthcoming session of the Parliament.
Royal pardon to 17 Indians serving sentences in Oman
Oman's Sultan Qaboos has granted "royal pardon" on the occasion of Eid to 17 Indians serving sentences in that country. "We appreciate this merciful gesture on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos of Oman," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted. Indian Embassy in Oman said "royal pardon" has been given to 17 Indian nationals serving sentences in Oman by Sultan Qaboos on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. "Government of India appreciates this compassionate gesture from a friendly country," the Embassy said in a tweet. Eid was celebrated across the world last week after Muslims' month of fasting.
Cabinet approves bill to grant quota to people living near international border
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Bill that seeks to provide 3 per cent reservation to border residents of Jammu, Kathua and Sambha districts in Jammu and Kashmir on the lines of those available to the residents along the Line of Control (LoC).
NCSC to visit violence-hit Sandeshkhali on Friday
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) will Friday meet the family members of those killed in the post-poll violence in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, the commission said. A five-member team of the NCSC will meet the three families who belonged to scheduled castes, Commission chairman Prof Ram Shankar Katheria, a member of the team, told PTI. "A team will be visiting Sandeshkhali on Friday on a spot visit. We will talk to the family members of the three persons murdered in the post-poll political violence in West Bengal," he said. Senior state government officials, including Chief Secretary Malay Kumar De, Director General of Police Virendra and Home Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay, were directed to be present in the area on Friday with up-to-date reports in connection with the killings. The NCSC chairman said the Commission has taken a suo motu cognisance into the Sandeshkhali killings and sought report from the state government in this ...
Cabinet okays bill to evict unauthorised occupants of govt residences at earliest
In a crackdown on unauthorised occupants of government residential accommodations, the Union Cabinet Wednesday gave its go ahead to introduce The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Amendment Bill, 2019. According to the government, the bill will be introduced in the upcoming Parliament session starting from June 17. The amendments will facilitate smooth and speedy eviction of unauthorised occupants from government residences and those vacant residences will be available for allotment to eligible persons on maturity of their turn in the waiting list. The go ahead to the Bill was given at a meeting of the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a statement, government stated the move will decrease the waiting time for availing the facility of residential accommodation. The proposed amendments would enable the estate officer to apply summary proceedings for evicting unauthorised occupants from residential accommodations and to levy damage charges for ...
Cabinet approves extension of President's Rule in J&K
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the extension of President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir for six months from July 3.
Better to transform Bengal into Gujarat than Bangladesh: State BJP chief to Mamata
In a strong retort to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, state BJP president Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday said if voted to power, the saffron party would work towards making the state the "second Gujarat" as it would create employment for its jobless youth. Ghosh also said it was better to transform Bengal into Gujarat rather than converting it into Bangladesh and a safe haven for Jihadis. The recent general election in Bengal saw a heated war of words between the Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The acrimony resulted in clashes after the poll, leading to the loss of several lives in various parts of the state. In the fiercely-fought election in Bengal, the saffron party won 18 Lok Sabha seats, only four less than the TMC's 22. "It is our challenge that if voted to power, we will work towards creating a prosperous state like Gujarat. It is better to convert Bengal into Gujarat rather than a safe haven for Jihadis or Bangladesh. We will ..
DJB under AAP achieved much more than it did under Cong, BJP rule: Mohaniya
Rejecting the charge of water crisis in the city, Delhi Jal Board Vice-Chairman Dinesh Mohaniya Wednesday said the water body under the AAP government has achieved much more in the last four years than it did under the Congress and the BJP rule. The Aam Aadmi Party launched a counter-offensive on the BJP, a day after saffron party leaders held protests outside the DJB office here and held its CEO "captive" for nearly 10 hours over alleged lack of water supply in the city. The protest ended early Wednesday after the officer called police. AAP leader Raghav Chadha accused the BJP leaders of having a "picnic" in the DJB premises and politicising the issue to hide their own failures. He dubbed the party as a 'Delhi drama company'. "There is no water crisis in the city. The DJB under the AAP government has achieved much to what it has under the Congress and the BJP rule," Mohaniya said. He said the water capacity of the DJB rose significantly after the AAP came to power in 2015 and it laid